News and Political Action

• The union-management Mental Health Joint Task Force released its first report earlier this week. The report recommends implementing the Mental Health Commission’s national psychological standard across government and concludes that the way the public service is managed must shift from an “output-focused environment to one that is more people-focused.” Robyn Benson is quoted in the Ottawa Citizen. Visit the national website for more information and to read the full report.
• PSAC backs the government’s firm commitment to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees, but the public service – coming off a decade of steady cuts – need the resources to pull it off. More in the Ottawa Citizen.

• Victory! PSAC applauds the federal government’s decision to re-open Veterans Affairs offices and the Kitsilano Coastguard Station.

2016 PSAC Calendars

• It's that time of year again! PSAC calendars are available - contact your Local Executive or your PSAC Regional Office if you would like some for your worksite.

Dec 3, International Day for Persons With Disabilities

• The PSAC encourages all members, including members with disabilities to not only celebrate the many contributions of persons with disabilities but also to support and raise awareness of the struggles and challenges still facing them today. Read more at psacunion.ca.

Tools for Locals and Activists

• We've updated the 'Connect with your Union' poster. Download, print, and post one on your union bulletin board today!

• Treasury Board: PSAC welcomes a new era and we are optimistic that a Liberal government will come to the table to negotiate in a manner that respects our Charter right to free collective bargaining. Our TB teams are meeting in Ottawa this week and we expect to be meeting with the employer early in the new year - we'll keep you up to date.
• CRA: We have started a national grievance campaign to show support for the Bargaining Team and to put pressure on the CRA to return to the table. More info in this bargaining update from Robert Campbell, UTE National President.
• SSO: The SSO National Bargaining Conference takes place January 9,10 in Ottawa.
• Swissport fuelers and supervisors at YVR: bargaining is underway, check with a member of your Local Executive for updates - and support the team by wearing a sticker!
• IMP Group, Comox: another round of negotiations is scheduled for February, check with a member of your Executive for more information.

Union Education

Winter/Spring 2016 Course Schedule

Vancouver Island

Grievance Handling - Jan 23,24 - Victoria
Public Speaking for Trade Unionists - Feb 20 - Victoria
Combo TUB/UICA - Mar 12,13- Nanaimo
Combo TUB/UICA - Apr 2,3 - Courtenay

Lower Mainland

Combo TUB/UICA - Feb 6,7
Public Speaking for Trade Unionists - Apr 2
Grievance Handling - Jun 4,5

Abbotsford

Talking Union Basics - Jan 23,24
Understanding & Interpreting the CA - Feb 6
Local officers Course - Apr 16,17

South Interior

Combo TUB/UICA - Feb 20,21 - city TBA
Local officers Course Apr 16,17 - city TBA

Northern BC

Representing Members with Mental Illnesses - Feb 20 - Prince Rupert
Understanding & Interpreting the CA Feb 21 - Prince Rupert
Health & Safety Activism May 28,29 - Prince George

More information about these courses at the website. Apply online here.
 

Meetings and Events



December 6th is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - PSAC members are organizing events in Prince George, Abbotsford, Vancouver and Victoria. 



December 10th - Vancouver Office Seasonal Open House. You're invited! Join us for snacks and refreshments - drop by the Office to celebrate the festive season and some recent victories for federal public sector workers. details here.
 

Thanks for reading *|FNAME|*! Have a most excellent festive season & see you in 2016.

Patrick Bragg
PSAC Vancouver Regional Office
604 430 5631 | 1 800 663 1655

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